My daughter is almost three years old and loves to talk! She started talking at a young age and always has something to say.

Lately, she’s been calling my husband and I by our first and middle names. She says to me, “What are you doing Erika Dawn?” Or, “Where are you Mommy Erika?” Or, “Hello Garrett Joseph.” And one of my favorites,“You are my friend Erika Dawn.”

It always puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh. Even though it seems comical, she isn’t trying to be funny. She says it lovingly and has a desire to know us by our names.

When she says, “I love you Erika Dawn,” it reminds me that I am an individual, not just mommy or wife, daughter, sister or friend. I am me. God loves me for me. He loves me with all the roles I play, but He also loves me as His Erika Dawn.

Good Reminder

This was a good reminder that I am an individual with needs and the desire to be loved beyond what I am, for and to others, but also loved for just being me.

I love that I was able to have this wonderful reminder from my sweet little girl. God created her with not only a sense of humor but also a deep love for others. This love she has is a reflection of her Creator and can be used as a reminder for others. And as much as I do enjoy being mommy, wife, daughter, sister and friend, I also enjoy remembering that I am Erika Dawn. And God loves me.

“You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt” (Psalms 139:13, 14).